When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:1, NKJV
Thinking back to when I was a youngster, we thought it was great fun to put on our parents' clothes and pretend to be adults. Now that I'm grown up--well, mostly--it's sometimes just as fun to play childish games. Over the next few Saturday Sermonettes, I'll be focusing on what a mature person should be aiming for in terms of becoming a grown-up Christian.
An important symptom of being an adult is generosity. Not frivolous giving or giving to be seen giving; instead, giving from the heart and sometimes giving when it hurts. This often has nothing to do with money. Time is a precious commodity, too, among a lot of other things!
Sometimes fear holds us back--maybe being a little too adult, worrying about the future or providing for your family. Yes, pay your bills and buy groceries, by all means. But do you really need that new Lexus or BMW? What if you bought a more modest car and gave a bit more to your church, a good charity (check out any you think about giving to), or your neighbor who just lost his job.
Generosity can also be grace--extending your hand to someone who doesn't deserve it just because it's what Jesus would do. Truly forgiving is totally generous, and sometimes extremely difficult. Rewarding, though, both for you and for the recipient of that grace.
Some children are pretty generous, but very few will give away something that they really want--whether it's their favorite toy or food--or if they are already feeling grouchy. Hmm--come to think of it, that's a tough sell for adults too. Could you do it? Can I?
Father God, Inventor of Generosity, help me give, but help me give with wisdom and discernment of real need. Teach me Your kind of generosity. Show me what it means, please, God. I want to be more like You and less like a petulant child. In Jesus Name and for His sake, Amen
4 comments:
Amen! Well said!
Thanks, Laurie! As usual, you're a real morale booster!
Growing up in a family of eight children I was very selfish about what was 'mine". The Lord has taught me so much about giving over the years. You almost have to be careful in your giving because sometimes He gives back - double - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
Sometimes when I have giving things - I find that He provides more things for me to share.
I can't wait to read the rest of your posts.
Thank you, Kat--that super sweet of you!
I have found that He always provides for my needs--sometimes in amazing ways. I give back out of a huge gratitude!
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